Dmitri Shostakovich Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (25 September [O.S. 12 September] 1906 – 9 August 1975) was a Russian pianist and composer of the Soviet period. He is regarded as one of the major composers of the 20th century. Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 57 - Performers: "The Borodin Trio" [Yuli Turovsky (cello), Rostislav Dubinsky (violin), Luba Edlina (piano)], and M..